2025 Automotive Conference and Expo delivered the goods and then some.

On October 16-17, automotive retailers, vendors, industry professionals, and key stakeholders gathered in Niagara Falls, Ont., for the 2025 Automotive Conference and Expo (ACE). 

This event is unique in that features not only insightful and thought-provoking keynote sessions, and informative workshops, but also a substantial on-site vendor showcase as well as ample networking and social activities, plus the highly anticipated Women Driven Awards.

Highly anticipated sessions

Each year, ACE delivers some highly anticipated content sessions and 2025 was no different. Kicking things off on October 17, was Dr. Helen Papagiannis, whose session, entitled AI Plus—Redefining the Road Ahead for Automotive Retail, focused on what’s happening in Artificial Intelligence and how, even today, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between something that’s real and something that’s completely AI generated. Papagiannis showed the audience several images and videos, which reinforced this view —those that appeared AI generated were in fact real, and vice versa.

She noted that increasingly, we’re seeing the integration of technology into our daily lives, whether it’s through visual or physical enhancements. Today it’s possible for organizations to generate visual content that will show who a customer becomes, including the place they live in and the car that they will drive.

Papagiannis stressed that while this is the next evolution in consumer marketing, it’s important for retailers to understand that trust is the new currency. “Trust is the foundation that makes personalization truly meaningful,” she said.

Changing interaction

Wearable technology is changing the way in which consumers interact with brands and products, but ultimately it is the true, genuine and human relationships that will count, especially when people can no longer trust what they see in front of them.

Each year, ACE offers up a demo theatre, where vendors get two minutes to pitch their products and services to the audience. Some of the participants this year, included FliteHouse, CARFAX Canada, A&R Solutions, CADA 360, SiriusXM, Quorum Technologies, GAP, Cineplex, AutoTrader, OpenLane, MBPDSP, iA Financial Group and Sym-Tech Dealer Services.

Jean-Olivier Corbeil delivered an informative session on 20 Groups, emphasizing how these group meetings, can reinforce accountability, progress and the sharing of ideas among like-minded individuals and businesses. He noted that for dealers, a big focus is trying to recruit automotive technicians and here, dealer 20 Groups can make a big impact, such as finding ways to generate efficiencies and implementing regular reviews to uncover unhidden issues and opportunities, as well as setting benchmarks. Corbeill noted that the top 25% of dealers in Canada rely on benchmarking to identify true KPIs, enhance both variable and fix operations, and translate systemic improvements into long term customer retention and profitability.

Impactful trends   

A fireside chat session, hosted by Niel Hiscox of Clarify Group, focused on key topics impacting automotive retail. Guests included Michael Croxon, President & CEO of NewRoads Automotive Group, Todd Bourgon, CEO and Executive Director of MVRO, and Brent Ravelle, President of the Ravelle Group of Companies.

The discussion looked at issues ranging from the renewal of the Bank Act to the growing influence of China in the automotive space and how, the franchised dealer model in North America actually has an advantage over how retailers operate in China. During the conversation it was noted that dealers in Canada [and North America as a whole] have a real opportunity to export their knowledge, as well as leverage their position through networks, including provincial associations and CADA to deliver superior service amid increasing competition in the OEM space. Brent Ravelle also stressed the importance of focusing on the future and cultivating new hires through the education system and engaging with government and both the provincial and federal level to stress the importance and urgency of having people with skilled trades that are vital to our economy and way of life.

A highly anticipated session was Power, Policy and Politics, hosted by Huw Williams of Impact and CADA 360 Public Affairs, featuring veteran political journalist Rob Russo.

Changing political landscape

Canada’s political landscape has changed significantly in the last 18 months, and Russo acknowledged that Canada’s current Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has a tough job ahead.

He noted that South of the Border, things are evolving very quickly with the Trump Administration and that it is critical that the two leaders and their governments continue to actively engage with each other. Russo noted that presently, it is challenging to attract investment to Canada right now, given the regulatory environment and a slowing economy.

He noted that while there are some that are looking to try and diversify trade from the U.S. to other countries, the reality is, such a strategy is very much a long-term play (10-20 years minimum) and that right now, Canada needs to work with the U.S., particularly given that the previous free-trade operating environment has essentially ceased to exist. Russo explained that in the automotive sector, Canada remains the largest export market for U.S. vehicles, and it is in the interest of Detroit-based automakers to have a Canadian workforce and assemble vehicles here. While the Trump Administration continues to focus its efforts at onshoring jobs and manufacturing, ensuring that Canada has access to the U.S. market at the lowest possible cost is essential for the long-term economic viability of North America.

Inspiring keynote

An inspiring keynote address came from Commander Paul Smith of the Royal Canadian Navy. A seasoned commander who currently oversees the HMCS York Naval Reserve and recruitment facility, Smith shared his experience in the navy, including deployments to various part of the world.

Smith explained that when it comes to leadership, it’s important to understand that things constantly change, and that the old playbooks no longer work. He noted that when he joined the navy as a non-commissioned officer, he did not fit the mould of how an officer is supposed to act. Encouraged to put in for his commission, Smith said he quickly learned that in order to progress, the old playbook and rules system needed to be tossed aside.

When it comes to leadership, he said it was critical to understand that as a leader, your team needs to know where you are going. If they don’t then you and they cannot operate effectively.

Smith said it was critical to explain the mission (the “Why”) and have a clear vision of how to accomplish that “Why.”

Clear communication

He noted that in his role as captain of a warship, you are in command. “Nobody else can legally tell you what to do, not an Admiral and not the Prime Minister.” He recalled a deployment to the Arctic, where then Prime Minster Stephen Harper came on board, and how critical it was to ensure clear communication between all parties to ensure the mission goes smoothly.

Smith also stressed the importance of empowerment and how encouraging others to speak up and valuing their input can lead to life-changing outcomes. A good example was how a junior seaman, on his first deployment to the Caribbean did just that, leading to a major drug seizure and the arrest of some notorious smugglers.

Ultimately, Smith explained that like navigating a ship through unpredictable waters, it’s important to be prepared. “When the storm hits, it is your resilience that keeps you going,” he said noting that the essence of resilience is like a tree growing stronger roots, so it bends less in high winds. “Be prepared for your next change,” he said, “because if you are, it won’t impact you as much.”